Force speed, also known as burst of speed or Force sprint, was a core Force power that allowed the user to maintain sprinting speeds for a brief time. Greater aptitude granted greater boosts to speed and/or greater duration. The increased speed of the Force-user enabled the individual to perceive and react the world and the entities around them in slow motion, allowing them to dodge attacks easily and attack more quickly with greater accuracy.
The technique was commonly used by many Force-users throughout history, including Jedi, Sith, and the Matukai order, an organization of Force adepts who used the physical body to channel the Force. During the Clone Wars, many Jedi used the ability to great effect on the battlefields. It was also commonly used to increase speed during lightsaber duels as well as in unarmed combat. According to Jedi Master Tionne Solusar‘s tome regarding the Force, there was a drawback to using this power; using Force speed had a draining effect on a Force-user’s energy and metabolism, and required a longer recovery period.
Using the Force to increase one’s speed was a common ability among many Force-users throughout history, with many able to both use the Force to increase their muscle speed and to slow down their perception of the world. The increased speed of the Force-user enabled them to see the world and the entities around them in slow motion, allowing them to dodge attacks easily and attack more quickly with greater accuracy. With sufficient skill in this ability, one could actually run on vertical surfaces for brief periods of time.
According to Tionne Solusar‘s tome regarding the Force written at the time of the Second Galactic Civil War, Force speed would only be achieved after a Jedi used the Force to attune their entire body with their heightened reflexes. The power could be used with such velocity that they appeared to simply vanish from their previous position. If the user was in unarmed combat, they could use it to swiftly bring an end to a skirmish. However, there was a drawback to using this power; using Force speed had a draining effect on a Force-user’s energy and metabolism, and required a longer recovery period.
A core Force ability, Force speed fell under the control area of the Force, which was the first aspect of the Force taught to Jedi Initiates. Force speed was referred to by different names throughout history including burst of speed, burst run, Force run, Force sprint, heightened speed, Force dash, Force quickness, and Surge.